FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES HERE…..

After beating Cleveland and Milwaukee to end a six game skid, the LALakers have fallen back into its old way and are again building another losing streak.

Following the defeat to the Miami Heat last Tuesday, Los Angeles (17-23) fell to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday – losing back-to-back games, and dropping eight of its last ten games.

Bryant continues to play big minutes as he continues to lead the league in scoring, but is finally becoming more and more frustrated with his Lakers fellow teammates.

The Bulls (23-16), meanwhile, enter the contest after losing 85-82 to Memphis in overtime on Saturday, but have won three of its last four games.

Chicago, who is still without the injured point guard Derrick Rose, has won seven of its 10 games played in the new year and are predicted favourites to add to Los Angeles’ problems.

STARTING TEAM NEWS

LA LAKERS Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Earl Clark, Kobe Bryant and Metta World Peace are the starters for the Lakers. Coach Mike D’Antoni believes Pau Gasol will be more effective coming off the bench and will play at the center when he does.

CHICAGO The Bulls will be looking for more energy from the first string so as to make up for the absence of Deng.